The iconic National Football Stadium at Windsor Park in Belfast has been renamed the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park, marking the beginning of a major new partnership between the Irish Football Association (Irish FA) and Larne-based Clearer Group.

The eight-year naming rights deal strengthens an already close relationship between the governing body and the group behind Clearer Twist — a premium mixer brand that champions social responsibility and healthier drinks.

The agreement also underscores Clearer Group’s wider support for football and community development across Northern Ireland.

Beyond the stadium renaming, the brand becomes the official mixer partner of the Northern Ireland senior men’s and women’s teams.

A Milestone for Northern Irish Football

Irish FA President Conrad Kirkwood hailed the move as a “new era” for the stadium, which has hosted some of Northern Ireland’s most memorable footballing moments.

“Our stadium is a place we are proud to call home,” said Kirkwood. “This new naming rights deal marks a new era for it and will help us maintain it to ensure we continue to strive for a first-class experience for fans and guests, not to mention the many teams that play here from right across our footballing community.”

Patrick Nelson, Chief Executive of the Irish FA, described the agreement as the result of a long search for the right partner. “We have sought a naming partner for our beloved home for many years,” he said. “But a partnership which met all the requirements wasn’t available until now.”

As a non-profit, the Irish FA will reinvest the income from the deal back into all levels of football across the country.

A Homegrown Brand Giving Back

Ross Lazaroo-Hood, the Larne-born Global CEO and Co-Chairman of Clearer Group, expressed pride in bringing the partnership to life.

“I grew up in Larne, and I am passionate about Northern Ireland — a place which is, and always will be, close to my heart,” he said. “When the opportunity arose to rename the national stadium in the country of my birth, it made perfect sense.”

He added that Clearer Twist would support both the national teams and grassroots initiatives, saying: “Our goal is to bring fans an exciting new chapter — one that embraces a new twist while honouring the proud traditions of Northern Irish football.”

Expanding a Deepening Partnership

This naming deal builds on a series of recent collaborations between the Irish FA and Clearer Group. In 2023, the company became the official water partner for the Northern Ireland national teams under its Clearer Water brand and exclusive water supplier to the stadium for 10 years. It also signed a decade-long sponsorship of the Irish Cup, Northern Ireland’s most historic domestic football competition.

Additionally, Clearer Water played a prominent role as a sponsor of the UEFA Under-19 Men’s European Championship, hosted in Northern Ireland last year.

 

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SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

This is a good news story for football and for Northern Ireland. We will have more from a Q and A at the launch tomorrow morning. 

WHAT’S UP NEXT?

An eight year deal gives time and space to be bold and imaginative.  We’ll be here to bring the story of how that develops to life.

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